Senators' Tie Key to Background Checks

By

Kristina Peterson

March 20, 2013 7:32 p.m. ET

Both men have roots in rural states with hunting traditions. Both received BB guns at a young age. Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin would load his with extra springs to give it more kick. Republican Sen. Tom Coburn shot at targets he now regrets.

"I killed too many birds with it," Mr. Coburn said Wednesday.

Now, efforts to pass new gun-control laws hinge in part on the bond between the two senators, as lawmakers move...